As I settle into a comfortable position, I find myself in a chaotic living room rather than a serene meadow. My attempt at lotus pose is more like an awkward tangle of limbs, and the only thing resembling tranquility is the fleeting moment I carve out amidst the demands of parenting. Like many others, I am navigating the challenges of remote learning and the pervasive anxiety brought on by the pandemic.
Despite the tumult, I decided to give meditation a try. A friend had been encouraging me to explore it, and when I stumbled upon a free trial for the Waking Up app by Sam Harris, I thought, “Why not?” The first week was a struggle; each time the reminder popped up, I dismissed it. But eventually, I forced myself to take ten minutes to pause, breathe, and listen. My dog decided to join me, curling up in my lap, while my son practiced his electric guitar in the next room. It was far from peaceful, but I persevered.
Initially, I was skeptical. The calm I felt afterward seemed to stem from mere suggestion. Yet, I continued, and each session brought a sense of relief. Life is noisy, and distractions abound, but I learned that chaos is part of the experience. Sam even invites listeners to focus on external sounds instead of just breathing in his guided meditations, which made me realize that mindfulness can coexist with the whirlwind of motherhood.
Just the other day, my 10-year-old daughter interrupted my meditation, and instead of shooing her away, I invited her to join me. We breathed together, even as our dog licked our knees and my teen son shouted at his video game. Interestingly, research indicates that mindfulness meditation can yield significant benefits. A Harvard study revealed that participants who meditated daily for eight weeks experienced changes in gene expression related to stress, inflammation, and even blood pressure levels. Other studies suggest that regular meditation can enhance brain structure, combating age-related decline.
But I’m not concerned with brain scans; I simply want to manage the emotional turmoil of a pandemic. Meditation has become a tool for reducing my anxiety, which often manifests as tightness in my chest. On days I meditate, I feel more present and aware of what I can control. Life may be unpredictable, but I can choose how to respond, from the meals I prepare to how I mediate sibling disputes. I can acknowledge my struggles without guilt and embrace the uncertainty.
I may not be mastering meditation in a traditional sense. My environment is chaotic, my mind wanders, and I often feel an urge to cough—yet, simply acknowledging my thoughts and returning my focus to my breath makes a difference.
If you’re interested in exploring meditation, there are several apps available. Keep in mind that many of the higher-rated ones require a subscription, which is understandable given the nature of the service. Here are a few options:
- Waking Up: Offers a free trial, then $99 per year. If finances are tight, the app provides a year free upon request.
- Headspace: Priced at $12.99 per month or $95 per year, it’s frequently recommended.
- Smiling Mind: This app is free and geared toward younger audiences but has received positive reviews from adults as well.
- Buddhify: At just $30 annually, it’s a budget-friendly choice for quick, on-the-go meditation.
- Insight Timer: A top-rated free app that offers a wealth of resources.
And of course, you can simply sit quietly for ten minutes and focus on your breath. For those interested in home insemination, check out this informative resource to learn more about the process. Another excellent resource is this guide, which covers pregnancy and insemination comprehensively. You can also visit Make a Mom for details on the best kits available.
In conclusion, while my meditation practice might not be perfect, it has taught me valuable lessons about presence, acceptance, and the ability to cope amid chaos.
Keyphrase: meditation during pandemic
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